The Bliss Blog

The Joy Is In The Journey

Imagine you were taking a long road trip from PA to CA. You have packed your car, checked the tires, filled the windshield washer fluid tank, charged your cell phone, programmed the GPS (or checked out the map if you prefer to read your directions folded like an accordian:), maybe you have your favorite CD’s or books on tape, ready to roll. You know that the direction you need to head to get there, is West, so you drive 500 miles , admiring the breathtaking scenery and suddenly you get a hankering (who knows why?) to turn back around and go East for awhile. Now, will you get to Cali sooner or later if you keep driving East? A simple answer with an easily identifiable solution…Go West Young Man (or Woman)! I use that as a metaphor when working with clients who tend to self sabotage. They may be chugging along for awhile and all of a sudden they throw up their hands in disgust with the entrenched beliefs that nothing will ever change in their lives. I give them a cross between a Mona Lisa smile and goofy grin, knowing that, of course, much has changed since they have been away and are now ready to continue on the path.

I have done it myself. Not as much anymore, thank goodness. I found myself (or lost myself) setting up roadblocks when things have felt ‘too good’. I created detours when a direct route might have gotten me to my destination sooner. I allowed myself to be ‘cut off’ enroute by slow moving cars putt-putting along in front of me. All created out of fear of really arriving at my chosen objective. I do know this…if things had been different, had I made different choices in career, relationship, housing, health, I wouldn’t be where I am now. If certain challenging situations had never existed, I may not have made those choices or met the people who have been my teachers of love. I am fascinated with the concept of alternate realities….things happening simultaneously with different ‘me’s’ engaged in various activities. For example, one aspect of myself is writing this at 1:25 a.m. est, because I woke up a short while ago from deep sleep that began a few hours ago and the Muse beckoned with come-hither fingers, daring me to stay awake with her for a bit, promising restful slumber soon after. Another may be in Hawaii, under a waterfall with my Beloved. Still another may be speaking before a group of folks who desire to live their own rich, full and juicy lives. Those too are part of my journey. If I trust where I am guided, the ride is much more fun and fulfilling. And maybe, just maybe the destination won’t matter so much if I am intentionally discovering joy in the journey; without being an accidental tourist. And aren’t we all just on our way back home?

Full Circle Experience
With Christine Lavin and Julie Gold
Had a full circle experience on Sunday, when I walked through the doors of the Unitarian Church at 21st and Chestnut in Philly to celebrate the 80th birthday and illustrious career of music legend Gene Shay. He had been the host of folk shows on

Living With Grace, Flow and Ease-Book Review
What if you could invite three angels into your home who would accompany you through your days, assisting you in having, as I like to refer to it, a 'rich, full, juicy life'? Would you issue a call and then keep the door open to welcome them in?
Reading the book Living with Grace, F

The Sound of the Dove-Music Review
"If you could combine the compelling voices of fellow Canadians Sarah McLachlan and Loreena McKennitt, with the soaring throat notes of kirtan singer; best known as Madonna's back up singer, Donna DeLory, you would have a sense of the magnificent tonings and tunes of Pamela Jane Gerr

Bucket ListI awoke in the wee hours this morning, from a dream about my parents. Both passed in the last few years; my dad in 2008 and my mom in 2010. They were the dearest people in my life; teachers, guides, providers, cheerleaders and guardians of my heart and soul. Although I know that they are safe and so

Living in Your God-nessThere are some people who come into our lives at a point in time when we are entering a new way of being. They plant seeds and are not necessarily a regular part of our days. Kind of like music in the background that puts a smile on your face when you hear it. Such has been the case with my friend

Advertisement

Subscribe

Search This Blog

Search for:

About The Bliss Blog

The Bliss Blog is a delicious nibble of ideas that can help you transform your life from ordinary into truly extraordinary. You’ll find 'portable life skills' that can be put to use immediately in all aspects life--enhancing relationships, improving communication, elevating self esteem, loving the man or woman in the mirror, taking more responsibility for life choices and experiencing more pleasure. The dictionary says bliss is “extreme happiness, ecstasy, spiritual joy” It is “seventh heaven” and “walking on air.” This blog will help you have a bliss-filled life and function in a grounded way.

About the Author

Edie Weinstein, MSW, LSW
Rev. Edie Weinstein, MSW, LSW is a Renaissance Woman and Bliss Mistress who delights in inviting people to live rich, full, juicy lives. Edie is the host of the Blog Talk Radio show called It's All About Relationships each Thursday night from 8-9 pm on Vivid Life Radio www.vividlife.me.» Posts by Edie Weinstein, MSW, LSW